Roy the Koi: The Fish Who Lived Forever is a heartwarming children's book written by Joseph McCarthy and Holly DiBella-McCarthy, with illustrations by Ram Jeeva. It tells the story of Roy, a fish that lived in the sparkling waters of a peaceful pond. Everyone in the town loved him because he was friendly and brought them hope. His shiny, beautiful scales made him look magical, and anyone who saw him felt stronger and braver. He welcomed visitors and became the town's beloved mascot. One sad day, the townspeople noticed there was no splash in the pond, and Roy was nowhere to be found. They searched for him, but by the time they reached him, it was too late. However, this was not the end. Roy had left them with a precious gift that would live on in their hearts and memories.

Roy the Koi is a beautiful story that emphasizes the importance of creating special moments with others. It also provides valuable lessons on coping with the loss of a loved one. Losing a friend or family member can be confusing and painful for both children and adults, but sharing stories and memories helps provide comfort. The narrative by Joseph McCarthy and Holly DiBella-McCarthy is engaging, featuring a rhyming tone and simple language that is easy for children to understand. The portrayal of grief is relatable, exploring the feelings of anger, heartbreak, and eventual acceptance that follow loss. Jeeva’s accompanying illustrations are colorful and perfectly complement the story. They vividly capture the characters' emotions and bring the townsfolk and Roy’s pond to life. This is a wonderful read filled with touching lessons and a reminder that our stories endure even after death. Let us cherish the incredible memories we make while we still have the time.

Understanding and happiness can be found in the most unlikely of creatures. In Roy the Koi, authors Joseph McCarthy and Holly DiBella-McCarthy introduce readers to Roy, a magical fish who lives in a sparkling pool in a peaceful small town surrounded by evergreens. Roy brings joy and happiness to everyone who visits him, as people share their secrets and wishes with him. Roy becomes the town’s mascot. But suddenly, one day, the pond is eerily calm and quiet. There are no playful splashes or shimmering bubbles from Roy—tragically, he is no longer breathing. The townspeople gather to mourn the loss of their long-time friend and struggle with their feelings. Is there a way for the town to feel Roy’s presence again?

As long as memories are shared, the stories of those who have passed will never fade. Roy the Koi reminds readers that memories can be therapeutic. Joseph McCarthy and Holly DiBella-McCarthy tackle a difficult topic by telling the story of Roy from the perspective of a young boy who grew up knowing him, making the narrative easy for children to understand. Roy the Koi explores themes of love, loss, and healing, illustrating the strength of emotional connections, the sorrow of parting, and the solace found in memories. Ram Jeeva’s bold, colorful illustrations enhance the themes and enrich the story. With its timeless and reassuring message, Roy the Koi is an ideal choice for young readers and caregivers. Further, it is especially poignant for anyone dealing with grief.